BOX ELDER COUNTY — A person fatally drowned early Sunday morning after their boat was struck by lightning and capsized on the Bear River.
Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Cade Palmer said 911 dispatch operators received reports of a boat that was struck by lightning while carrying three individuals who were fishing on Bear River in Corinne just after midnight on Aug. 18.
The boat reportedly capsized after being struck, throwing all three occupants into the water.
Palmer said two of the individuals were able to swim to shore and were then transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The third individual went under the water and could not be located.
A search ensued, involving the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office, Box Elder County Search and Rescue, Box Elder County SCUBA Team, Corinne Fire Department, Brigham City Fire Department, Utah Parks and Recreation, Coast Guard, and the Department of Public Safety Aero Bureau.
Around 5:30 a.m. the individual’s body was recovered using sonar and rescue divers.
The names of the individuals involved are not being released, pending notification of family.
Palmer said in a statement, “We extend our heartfelt condolences to all those affected by this tragic loss, particularly the friends and family of the deceased. We are sincerely grateful to all the professionals and volunteers who dedicated their time and efforts to the search and successful recovery process.”